Ducati gives parent company cause to celebrate with increased sales in 2014.

• Fifth consecutive growth year for Bologna-based bike manufacturer
• Record sales achieved thanks also to the new Monster and 899 Panigale
• USA confirmed as Ducati’s most important market, with Asia growing fast (+ 11%)

In 2014 Ducati Motor Holding spa achieved a new sales record by delivering 45,100 bikes to customers, 2% more than in 2013, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth.

This increase also stemmed from the introduction of new products that, despite market uncertainty, made a clear contribution to what has been an outstanding result for Ducati. More specifically, with the introduction of the new Monster 1200 and Monster 821, Monster family sales rose by 31%, with 16,409 new bikes sold. 

The Superbike family, thanks to the widespread introduction of the 899 Panigale, which scored a +74% sales success with 5,806 bikes delivered to customers, enjoyed an overall growth of 12%, with a total of 9,788 bikes sold in 2014.

North American sales performance was in line with that of 2013, with Mexico experiencing 8% growth. The U.S. continues to be Ducati’s top market, with 8,804 units delivered to customers. Despite difficult market conditions, sales in South America increased considerably, especially in Brazil (+ 74%, 1,174 bikes sold); this was achieved thanks to considerable expansion of the dealership network in that country and the market introduction of the full model range with local CKD production.

In Europe sales slowed a little (-3% with 19,743 bikes), mostly due to challenging conditions on several markets. However, while sales in Italy fell short of those attained the previous year (-14% with 4,284 bikes), other European countries were almost stable, with the UK actually experiencing significant double-digit growth (+16% with 2,742 bikes).

Double-digit growth was also seen in Asia, where Ducati achieved an all-time sales record (+11% with 5,787 bikes). Performance was particularly strong in Thailand (+22% with 3,057 units) and China where sales volumes, with respect to 2013, almost doubled (+97%).

Ducati also succeeded in boosting sales in Australia (+13% with 2,132 bikes) and strengthening its performance in Japan (+1% with 2,558 units).

Maserati at Detroit and the report of massive sales increases for 2014.

Showstoppers the Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition and Alfieri 2+2; concepts that look to the future and confirm the Made in Italy luxury of the Trident. 

Continuing the unstoppable momentum of 2014, a year which was the most successful in the Trident’s century-long history, Maserati presents at Detroit’s 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). In the spotlight, the range’s traditional blend of sports performance and “Made in Italy” exclusivity and the 2014 global sales results.

RECORD SALES IN 2014

In 2014, Maserati sold approximately 36,500 cars worldwide, an increase of 136% compared to 2013 and almost 6 times the sales figure for 2012. There was growth in all the main markets in which Maserati operates: the major milestone was achieved thanks to the sales volumes generated by the Ghibli, the brand’s first E segment executive saloon, followed by the Quattroporte, the luxury flagship saloon, and the exclusive range of GranTurismo and GranCabrio sports cars.

23,500 Ghiblis were delivered to the network, while the figure for the Quattroporte was 9,500 units. The total was completed by 3,500 units of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio models.

The American market, with 14,690 units and growth of 110% compared to 2013, confirmed its status as Maserati’s biggest market in 2014, with sales boosted by the Ghibli and Quattroporte versions equipped with the 410 HP Twin Turbo engine and Q4 all-wheel drive.

The second largest market in terms of volume was China, with 9,400 units and growth of 148% compared to 2013; the best-selling Quattroporte and Ghibli versions were those with 330 HP Twin Turbo engine and rear-wheel drive.

In spite of the widespread economic instability, Europe also recorded a large rise of 153% compared to 2013, with no fewer than 6,360 units sold. The market leading Quattroporte and Ghibli versions were the rear wheel drive versions with the 275 HP V6 Turbo Diesel engine.

Performance in the Asia-Pacific area (excluding China) was excellent, with 4,000 units, representing a 206% increase over 2013.

The results achieved in the Middle East were also very impressive, with 2,050 units sold and a growth of 144% compared to 2013. 

DETROIT AUTO SHOW

At Detroit this year, made-to-measure craftsmanship hits the road with the North American premiere of the Maserati Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Concept, which takes the stage alongside the stunning Alfieri 2+2 concept and the sumptuous yet versatile all-wheel-drive 2015 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4, now offered with a wider selection of product enhancements including new exterior colours, added content and trim options.

The Maserati Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Concept is the natural evolution of the partnership between these two historic Italian brands following last year’s very successful launch of the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition (which was limited to one-hundred units). With Ghibli now leading the Trident’s success in North America, as the top selling U.S. model within the Maserati range, it was the perfect choice for the marque’s latest concept design innovation.

Trivero-based fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna conceptualized the bespoke Ghibli S Q4 in close collaboration with Maserati’s design and engineering team, applying unique content and material applications never seen before. The result is a saloon with a dynamic and contemporary look, fashioned for the detail-oriented enthusiast and tailored for connoisseurs of luxury. The Ghibli Zegna serves to give renewed life to a current product, and features an exclusive new colour, Azzurro Astro and 20” wheels in a colour developed ad hoc. 

The interior has been designed to offer the ultimate in style and distinction, with Zegna-inspired materials and trims with special contrast colour combinations using the finest Italian leather and 100% Italian natural fabrics.

The Maserati Alfieri is a cutting-edge 2+2 concept that has toured the globe to much praise from collectors, press, customers and enthusiasts alike. Created to celebrate the Maserati Centennial, Alfieri explores the stylistic heritage of the brand and anticipates future design trends. The Alfieri reveals a sportier nature than the current GranTurismo model, re-establishing Maserati's racing DNA. Maserati has confirmed that the Alfieri coupe will be introduced in 2016, with an Alfieri convertible to follow thereafter.

Also displayed on the stand is the MY 2015 Quattroporte S Q4, which is now offered with a wider selection of product enhancements including new exterior colours, added content and trim options. This winter season, Quattroporte S Q4, equipped with all-wheel drive capabilities, continues to fuel the brand’s rapid growth in North America together with the appeal of the signature GranTurismo coupes and convertible models and entry level Ghibli saloon.